Klarna is one of the most popular ways to buy now and pay later, with a slick app and several payment plans. But it is not your only choice, and another app may offer better credit building, lower fees, or a smaller limit that keeps you disciplined.
This guide covers the best apps like Klarna in 2026, how each works, and which ones can help you build credit while you pay. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs on longer plans vary by creditworthiness.
How Klarna Works
Klarna gives you a few ways to pay. Pay in 4 splits a purchase into four interest-free payments two weeks apart, you can pay in full within 30 days, or you can choose longer monthly financing.
As of July 2026, the short-term options are interest-free when you pay on time. Longer Klarna financing plans can charge up to about 33.99% APR, which is higher than many credit cards. Klarna also runs a shopping app with deals and price tracking.
Why People Look for Apps Like Klarna
Klarna is flexible, but not every store accepts it, and its longer financing can get expensive. Some shoppers also want to build credit or shop from their paycheck, which is not Klarna's focus.
The apps below fill those gaps, from interest-free installments to paycheck-based shopping and real credit-building tools.
Sezzle: Interest-Free Pay in 4 With Credit Tools
Sezzle splits your purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks, with Pay in 2 and monthly options too. Most shoppers start with a modest limit that grows with on-time use.
What makes Sezzle stand out is its optional credit-building features. Tools like Sezzle Up can surface your on-time payments so they may help your credit profile, something Klarna's Pay in 4 does not typically do. Service fees can range from $0 to about $7.49, and late fees may apply.
Sezzle is a great fit if you want interest-free installments plus a path to stronger credit. Terms and conditions apply.
Sezzle
Sezzle
Flexible payments made simple. Shop now, pay later with zero interest options, smart budgeting tools, and a seamless checkout experience.
Standout feature
0% interest on Pay-in-4 when paid on time
Fees
Free
Pros
Sezzle Up reports on-time payments to all major US bureaus
Cons
Late fee of up to $16.95 per missed installment
Afterpay: Simple and Interest-Free
Afterpay keeps it simple with Pay in 4: 25% at checkout, then three payments every two weeks, with no interest when you pay on time. It also offers monthly plans on larger buys, and its Pulse Rewards program adds perks.
Affirm: Best for Larger Financed Purchases
Affirm shines on bigger purchases with clear monthly financing, sometimes at 0% APR through select merchants. Longer plans can carry interest up to 36% APR, but Affirm shows your rate before you buy and charges no late fees.
Perpay: Shop and Build Credit From Your Paycheck
Perpay takes a different path. You shop its marketplace and repay through small automatic deductions from your paycheck, which lowers the risk of a missed payment.
Its biggest advantage is credit building. With Perpay+, your activity is reported to all three major credit bureaus, and Perpay says enrolled members see an average score increase of about 32 points in their first three months. Orders carry no interest, though a Perpay+ membership fee applies.
If you want to pay over time and build credit at once, Perpay is worth a look. Terms and conditions apply.
Perpay
Perpay
Access up to $1,000 to shop and pay over time from your paycheck while building credit. Increase your credit score by 32 points on average!
Standout feature
Buy Now, Pay Later with Credit Building
Fees
Free ($5/mo for Perpay+ to build credit)
Pros
Up to $1000 spending limit and reporting to Experian, Equifax and Transunion
Cons
Cost $5/mo for credit building
PayPal Pay in 4
PayPal Pay in 4 splits purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks and works anywhere PayPal is accepted online. It is convenient, but it does not build credit.
Zip (Formerly Quadpay)
Zip lets you split almost any purchase into four payments, even at stores without a built-in option. It usually charges a small per-installment fee, so factor that in.
How to Choose the Right App
Start with your goal. For simple interest-free installments, Afterpay, PayPal, or Zip may be enough. For larger financed buys, Affirm is strong.
If building credit matters, lean toward Perpay or Sezzle's credit tools. Compare fees, the APR on longer plans, and whether late payments are reported, and borrow only what you can repay on time.
Next Steps
Pick one app that matches your goal, read its terms, and start with a small purchase you can easily repay. On-time payments protect your budget and, in some cases, help your credit.
For more, see our full Klarna review and our Sezzle vs. Klarna comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Klarna?
It depends on your goal. Sezzle and Afterpay are the closest for interest-free Pay in 4, Affirm is best for larger financed purchases, and Perpay is strongest for building credit while you shop.
Do apps like Klarna build credit?
Some do. Perpay reports to all three bureaus and Sezzle offers optional credit tools, while basic Pay in 4 plans from PayPal or Zip usually do not affect your score.
Is Klarna or Afterpay better?
Klarna offers more payment options and a feature-rich app, while Afterpay is simpler and centers on Pay in 4. The better choice depends on whether you value flexibility or simplicity.
Can I use buy now, pay later with limited credit?
Often yes, because many BNPL apps use a soft credit check that does not hurt your score. Limits may start small and grow with on-time payments, and missed payments can trigger fees.
